A Russian delegation has visited an airport in central Iran at least twice to inspect drones capable of carrying missiles and rockets, according to satellite images obtained exclusively by CNN.
Tehran presented the Shahid-191 and Shahid-129 drones to the Russian delegation during a visit to Kashan Airport south of Tehran in June, U.S. officials told CNN, noting that both models are capable of carrying precision-guided missiles.
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said in a statement: “We have information that shows that the Iranian government is preparing to give Russia several hundred drones, including those capable of carrying weapons.”
“We appreciate that an official Russian delegation recently witnessed a demonstration of Iranian attack-capable drones,” Sullivan added.
He continued: Satellite images in June show that the Russian delegation has seen these planes, and this shows Russia’s continued interest in having Iranian drones capable of carrying out attacks.
Pointing out that the Russian delegation’s visit in June was “the first time to Kashan airport,” Sullivan said, “American officials said that the Russians visited Iran again on July 5th for the same purpose.”
The news comes as Biden wraps up his trip to the Middle East, where Iran has been a focal point of conversation between the United States, Israel, Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states.
An American official told CNN: “The growing partnership between Iran and Russia shows why the United States must maintain its presence and influence in the Middle East.”
Biden remains under increasing pressure from allies in the Middle East to come up with a workable plan to contain Iran, as hopes of reviving the 2015 nuclear deal faded after talks last month in Doha, the Qatari capital.
White House officials revealed earlier this week that recently declassified US intelligence showed Iran was expected to supply Russia with “hundreds” of drones for use in the Ukraine war, as Iran prepares to Start training Russian forces on how to implement it as soon as possible. May.
The U.S. now believes Russia appears to be turning to Iran to help replenish its stockpile of drones, but it’s unclear how advanced or effective the drones are, experts said.
US officials revealed in March that Russia had previously turned to China for help in the country’s war in Ukraine.
As of late May, the United States has seen no evidence that China has provided military or economic support for an attack on Russia, Sullivan told reporters at the time.
According to AFP, yesterday, Friday, in the latest announcement regarding its program for these planes and other activities that worry its opponents, especially Israel, Iran unveiled a naval unit for drones that would allow them to be launched from ships and submarines. Gives. press the
Iran’s state TV reported: “The discovery of the first naval unit of unmanned aircraft carriers of the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy, which includes ships and submarines capable of carrying all types of drones, from combat to those intended for surveillance and destruction.”
“All types of drones produced by the Army and the Ministry of Defense have flown over the waters of the Indian Ocean to demonstrate their capabilities,” said the TV station, which showed footage of drones flying from a warship.
The announcement came two days after President Biden arrived in the region on his first trip since taking office in early 2021, starting from Israel.
The Israeli military showed Biden images of drones that can be intercepted by the Iron Dome and Iron Beam missile defense systems, which use laser technology.
Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, commander of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army, said in an interview with TV on Friday: Considering the hostile position of the ruling regime (in relation to the United States and its allies), it is necessary to increase our defense capabilities day by day.
And he warned that “if the enemies make a mistake, these (drones) will watch over them.”
Tehran’s drone development worries Washington and Tel Aviv, as they accuse the country of providing the weapon to its allies in the Middle East, such as Hezbollah and Palestinian factions in the Gaza Strip and the Houthi rebels in Yemen. It uses it to target the United States. Forces and shipping in the Persian Gulf
In October 2021, the US Treasury Department sanctioned individuals associated with the program.
Source: Lebanon Debate
